MONTPELIER — The Vermont Legislature is getting ready to elect the next chief of the state’s National Guard.The secret-ballot election is set for Thursday.

There are three candidates to succeed Maj. Gen. Thomas Drew, who became interim adjutant general last summer after his predecessor Maj. Gen. Michael Dubie left Vermont to take a position as deputy commander of the United States Northern Command, the organization that oversees the defense of North America.

Air Guard Brig. Gen. Steven Cray, of Essex Junction, Col. Darryl Ducharme and retired Col. Michael J. Bullock of Hinesburg are all running for the position.